One of the most common injuries in sports is a stress fracture. Overcoming an injury
like a stress fracture can be difficult, but it can be done.

What is a stress fracture?

A stress fracture is an overuse injury. It occurs when muscles become fatigued and
are unable to absorb added shock. Eventually, the fatigued muscle transfers the overload
of stress to the bone causing a tiny crack called a stress fracture.

Stress fractures often are the result of increasing the amount or intensity of an
activity too rapidly. They also can be caused by the impact of an unfamiliar surface
(a tennis player who has switched surfaces from a soft clay court to a hard court);
improper equipment (a runner using worn or less flexible shoes); and increased physical
stress (a basketball player who has had a substantial increase in playing time).

Studies have shown that athletes participating in tennis, track and field, gymnastics,
and basketball are very susceptible to stress fractures. In all of these sports, the
repetitive stress of the foot striking the ground can cause trauma. Without sufficient
rest between workouts or competitions, an athlete is at risk for developing a stress
fracture.

Stress fractures affect people of all ages who participate in repetitive sporting
activities, like running. Medical studies have shown that female athletes seem to
experience more stress fractures than their male counterparts. Many orthopaedic surgeons
attribute this to a condition referred to as "the female athlete triad": eating disorders
(bulimia or anorexia), amenorrhea (infrequent menstrual cycle), and osteoporosis.
As a female's bone mass decreases, her chances of getting a stress fracture increase.

It is very important that during the medical examination the doctor evaluates the
patient's risk factors for stress fracture.

X-rays are commonly used to determine stress fracture. Sometimes, the stress fracture
cannot be seen on regular x-rays or will not show up for several weeks after the pain
starts. Occasionally, a computed topography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI) will be necessary.

The most important treatment is rest. Individuals need to rest from the activity that
caused the stress fracture, and engage in a pain-free activity during the six to eight
weeks it takes most stress fractures to heal.

If the activity that caused the stress fracture is resumed too quickly, larger, harder-to-heal
stress fractures can develop. Re-injury also could lead to chronic problems where
the stress fracture might never heal properly.

In addition to rest, shoe inserts or braces may be used to help these injuries heal.

Here are some tips developed by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons to help
prevent stress fractures:

When participating in any new sports activity, set incremental goals. For example,
do not immediately set out to run five miles a day; instead, gradually build up your
mileage on a weekly basis.

Cross-training -- alternating activities that accomplish the same fitness goals --
can help to prevent injuries like stress fractures. Instead of running every day to
meet cardiovascular goals, run on even days and bike on odd days. Add some strength
training and flexibility exercises to the mix for the most benefit.

Maintain a healthy diet. Make sure you incorporate calcium- and Vitamin D-rich foods
in your meals.

Use the proper equipment. Do not wear old or worn running shoes.

If pain or swelling occurs, immediately stop the activity and rest for a few days.
If continued pain persists, see an orthopaedic surgeon.

It is important to remember that if you recognize the symptoms early and treat them
appropriately, you can return to sports at your normal playing level.

AAOS does not endorse any treatments, procedures, products, or physicians referenced
herein. This information is provided as an educational service and is not intended
to serve as medical advice. Anyone seeking specific orthopaedic advice or assistance
should consult his or her orthopaedic surgeon, or locate one in your area through
the AAOS "Find an Orthopaedist" program on this website.